2002 MERCEDES-BENZ S500 pressure

277 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index Brake assist system (BAS)
The BAS is designed to maximize the vehicle’s braking
capability during emergency braking maneuvers by
having maximum power boost applied to the brakes
more quickly in emergency braking conditions than
might otherwise be afforded solely by the driver’s
braking style. This can help reduce braking distances
over what ordinary driving and braking style might do.
The BAS complements the Antilock Brake System (ABS).Applying the brakes very quickly results in maximum
BAS assistance.
To receive the benefit of the system you must apply
continuous full braking power during the stopping
sequence. Do not reduce brake pedal pressure.
Once the brake pedal is released, the BAS is deactivated.
If the BAS warning message is displayed in the
multifunction display, a malfunction has been detected
in the system. The brake system functions in the usual
manner, but without BAS.
With the ABS malfunctioning, the BAS is also switched
off.
If a BAS warning message is displayed in the
multifunction display, have the BAS checked at your
authorized Mercedes-Benz Center as soon as possible.
Wa r n i n g !
BAS cannot prevent the natural laws of physics
from acting on the vehicle, nor can it increase
braking efficiency beyond that afforded by the
condition of the vehicle brakes and tires or the
traction afforded. The BAS cannot prevent
accidents, including those resulting from excessive
speed in turns, following another vehicle too
closely, or aquaplaning. Only a safe, attentive, and
skillful driver can prevent accidents. The
capabilities of a BAS equipped car must never be
exploited in a reckless or dangerous manner which
could jeopardize the user’s safety or the safety of
others.

278 Driving systems
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Antilock brake system (ABS)
Important!
The ABS improves steering control of the vehicle during
hard braking maneuvers.
The ABS prevents the wheels from locking up above a
vehicle speed of approximately 5 mph (8 km / h)
independent of road surface conditions.At the instant one of the wheels is about to lock up, a
slight pulsation can be felt in the brake pedal,
indicating that the ABS is in the regulating mode. Keep
firm and steady pressure on the brake pedal while
experiencing the pulsation.
Continuous steady brake pedal pressure results in
applying the advantages of the ABS, namely braking
power and ability to steer the vehicle.
In the case of an emergency brake maneuver keep
continuous full pressure on the brake pedal. In this
manner only can the ABS be most effective.
On slippery road surfaces, the ABS will respond even
with light brake pedal pressure because of the
increased likelihood of locking wheels. The pulsating
brake pedal can be an indication of hazardous road
conditions and functions as a reminder to take extra
care while driving.
Wa r n i n g !
Do not pump the brake pedal, rather use firm,
steady brake pedal pressure. Pumping the brake
pedal defeats the purpose for ABS and significantly
reduces braking effectiveness.

296 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
What you should know at the gas station
Fuel supplyOpen flap by pushing near front (arrow). Turn fuel cap
to the left and hold on to it until possible pressure in
tank has been released, then remove cap. Failure to
remove slowly could result in personal injury.
See page 376 for manual release of fuel filler flap.
Fuel
To prevent fuel vapors from escaping into open air, fully
insert filler nozzle unit.
Only fill fuel tank until the filler nozzle unit cuts out
— do not top up or overfill.
Leaving the engine running and the fuel cap open can
cause the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp to illuminate, see
page 302 for notes on the “CHECK ENGINE” lamp.
Wa r n i n g !
Gasoline is highly flammable and poisonous. It
burns violently and can cause serious injury.
Whenever you are around gasoline, avoid inhaling
fumes and skin contact, extinguish all smoking
materials. Never allow sparks, flame or smoking
materials near gasoline!
P88.60-2001-26
Wa r n i n g !
Overfilling of fuel tank may result in creating
pressure in the system which could cause a gas
discharge such as the gas spraying back out upon
removing the filler nozzle which could cause
personal injury.

298 What you should know at the gas station
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperationDrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Tire pressure
For tire pressure, refer to tire pressure label inside the
fuel filler flap. See page 356 for further details.
Air conditioner
R-134a refrigerant and special PAG lubricant, refer to
“Technical Data”.
Spark plugs
Approved spark plugs, refer to “Technical Data”.
Windshield cleaning
To prevent damage to the engine hood, the windshield
wipers must not be folded forward in parked position.
See page 388 for cleaning the windshield.Bulbs
High and low beams: H7 (55 W),
low beam: Xenon (optional)
fog lamps: H1 (55 W),
turn signal lamps,
front 2357 NA (28.5 / 8.3 W [Yellow]),
parking and standing lamps, front: W 5W (5 W)
side marker lamps, front: 5 W / 4 cp,
turn signal lamps, rear: 1156 NA bulb,
tail and parking lamp: P 21 / 4 W,
tail, parking and rear fog lamp, driver’s side: P 21 / 4 W,
tail, parking, standing and
side marker lamp: R 5 W / 4 cp,
backup lamps: 21 W / 32 cp,
license plate lamps: 5 W / 4 cp

301 Contents – Instrument cluster display
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
Instrument cluster displayMalfunction and indicator
lamps in the
instrument cluster ....................302
On-board diagnostic
system ..........................................302
Check engine malfunction
indicator lamp .............................302
Brake warning lamp ..................304
Supplemental restraint system
(SRS) indicator lamp ..................305
Fuel reserve warning .................305
ABS malfunction
indicator lamp .............................306
Electronic stability program
(ESP) — warning lamp ...............307
Distronic (DTR) –
warning lamp ..............................307
Seat belt nonusage
warning lamp ..............................308Malfunction and indicator
lamp in the
center console ........................... 308
AIRBAG OFF indicator lamp .... 308
Malfunction and warning
messages in the
multifunction display .............. 309
DISPLAY DEFECTIVE ................. 310
BATTERY/ALTERNATOR ........... 311
ENTRANCE POSITION ...............312
BRAKE ASSIST ............................312
BRAKE LINING WEAR ............... 313
BRAKE FLUID ............................. 313
PARKING BRAKE ........................ 314
TRUNK OPEN .............................. 314
ELEC. STABIL. PROG.
(Electronic stability
program) ...................................... 315
COOLANT
(coolant level) .............................. 316
COOLANT
(coolant temperature) ................ 317LIGHTING SYSTEM .................... 318
LIGHT SENSOR ...........................320
ACTIVE BODY CONTROL
(ABC) ............................................320
TIRE PRESSURE .........................322
ENGINE OIL LEVEL ...................324
CRUISE CONTROL .....................325
KEY ...............................................325
DOOR ...........................................326
HOOD ...........................................326
TELE AID .....................................327
CHIP-CARD
(KEYLESS-GO) ............................328
SELECTOR LEVER ......................329
TELEPHONE – FUNCTION .......329
WASHER FLUID .........................330
AIR SPRING (AirMatic) ............. 331
DISTRONIC (DTR) ......................332
AIR CLEANER .............................333

322 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
TIRE PRESSURE
* C = Category, see page 309.
LR: left rear; LF: left front
RR: right rear; RF: right front Line 1 Line 2 C*
TIRE PRESSURE CAUTION, TIRE DEFECT!
1
1
TIRE PRESSURE CHECK TIRES!
2, 3
1
TIRE PRESSURE CHECK TIRES!
4
2
TIRE PRESS. MONITOR
ACTIVATEDPRESS. DISPLAY AFTER
DRIVING A FEW MINS.
3
2
REACTIVATE TIRE PRESS. MONITOR!
3, 5
3
TIRE PRESS. MONITOR CURRENTLY INACTIVE
6
2
TIRE PRESS. MONITOR VISIT WORKSHOP!
7
2
TIRE PRESSURE, LF CAUTION, TIRE DEFECT!
1
1
TIRE PRESSURE, RF CAUTION, TIRE DEFECT!
1
1
TIRE PRESSURE, LR CAUTION, TIRE DEFECT!
1
1
TIRE PRESSURE, RR CAUTION, TIRE DEFECT!
1
1
TIRE PRESSURE, LF CHECK TIRES!
2
1
TIRE PRESSURE, RF CHECK TIRES!
2
1
TIRE PRESSURE, LR CHECK TIRES!
2
1
TIRE PRESSURE, RR CHECK TIRES!
2
1 Line 1 Line 2 C*

323 Malfunction and warning messages
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hints Car care Index
1 One or more tires is or has deflated rapidly. Carefully bring the
vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt steering and braking maneuvers.
For reference on changing wheels, see page 348.
2 The tire pressure on one or more tires is already below minimum
value. Carefully bring the vehicle to a halt, avoiding abrupt
steering and braking maneuvers. For reference on changing
wheels, see page 351.
3 For tire inflation pressure monitor, see page 152.4 Tire pressure in one or more tires is low. Check and correct tire
pressure according to the label affixed inside the fuel filler flap.
For tire inflation pressure, see page 356.
The tire inf lation pressure monitor must be activated again after
the tire inflation pressure has been corrected, see page 152.
5 When the message appears after starting the engine, the tire
inflation pressure on all road wheels should be checked and
corrected according to the label affixed inside the fuel filler flap.
For tire inflation pressure, see page 356.
The tire inf lation pressure monitor must be activated again after
the tire inflation pressure has been corrected, see page 152.
6 The tire inflation pressure monitor system is unable to monitor the
tire pressure due to the presence of several wheel electronics in
the vehicle (e.g. a deflated road wheel in the trunk), or nearby
radio interference source, or excessive wheel sensor temperatures,
or unrecognized wheel sensors mounted.
7 The tire inflation pressure monitor is defective or a wheel without
proper sensor was installed. Visit your authorized Mercedes-Benz
Center.Wa r n i n g !
Do not drive with a flat tire. A flat tire affects the
ability to steer or brake the vehicle. You may lose
control of the vehicle. Continued driving with a flat
tire will cause excessive heat build-up and possibly
a fire.

335 Contents – Practical hints
Te ch n i c a l
data Instruments
and controlsOperation DrivingInstrument
cluster displayPractical hintsCar care Index
Practical hintsFirst aid kit .....................................336
Stowing things in the vehicle ......336
Fuses ................................................337
Hood .................................................339
Checking engine oil level .............342
Automatic transmission
fluid level ...................................343
Active body control (ABC)
fluid level ...................................343
Coolant level ...................................344
Adding coolant ...........................344
Windshield and headlamp
washer system ...........................345
Windshield and headlamp
washer fluid mixing ratio .........345Spare wheel, vehicle tools,
storage compartment ............... 346
Vehicle jack .................................... 347
Wheels ............................................ 348
Tire Replacement ....................... 348
Rotating wheels ......................... 349
Spare wheel .................................... 349
Changing wheels ........................... 351
Tire inflation pressure ................. 356
Battery ............................................. 357
Jump starting ................................. 359
Towing the vehicle ........................ 361
Exterior lamps ............................... 364
Headlamp assembly .................. 365
Taillamp assemblies .................. 368Changing batteries in
the electronic key ..................... 371
Synchronizing
remote control ............................373
Changing batteries in the
KEYLESS-GO-card ..................... 374
Emergency engine
shut-down .................................. 376
Fuel filler flap,
manual release .......................... 376
Emergency operation of
sliding/pop-up roof ...................377
Replacing wiper blades .................378
Roof rack .........................................380